Morocco actively fighting cancer
2008-05-14
A large-scale awareness campaign in Morocco this month targets the early detection of breast cancer. As part of the national effort, the nation's first breast and cervical cancer screening centre was inaugurated in Rabat.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 14/05/08
 [Sarah Touahri] Television campaigns in Morocco attempt to raise awareness that the early detection of breast cancer through screenings can result in a full recovery in 90% of cases. |
The battle against cancer in Morocco has escalated in recent years. The number of those affected by the disease is still unclear, but specialists take on an estimated 30,000 new cases each year, 12,000 of which are treated in oncology centres.
Awareness-raising campaigns are increasingly widespread. The latest large-scale campaign on the importance of breast cancer screening is running throughout the month of May. This national campaign was launched by the Lalla Salma Cancer Research Association (ALSC) with a budget of 3.5 million dirhams. According to the programme organisers, some 7,000 breast cancer cases are reported each year – an average of twenty per day.
ALSC Executive Director Rachid Bekkaly told Magharebia that cancer remains little-known and screenings are approached with fear because the illness is associated with death. He stressed that cancer, if caught in its early stages, can be cured in 90% of cases, and that products for its treatment are available and provided free of charge for those on low incomes and those not already on treatment programmes.
"We want to encourage women to go for early diagnosis before the disease reaches its more serious stages," he said.
The current campaign is distributing information about the disease, to spur people into action on the early detection of breast cancer. In addition to posters and televised announcements, entertainers have become involved in the campaign, with a promotional song broadcast by TV channels and radio stations.
The chairman of the ALSC’s scientific committee, Moulay Tahar Alaoui, said the health ministry is working, in collaboration with the association, to develop oncology centres in several of Morocco's regions, with new clinics opening up in Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Agadir and very soon in Al Hoceima, to add to those in Rabat and Casablanca.
In addition, a drug-purchasing fund for the needy will be introduced to improve the accessibility of treatment.
Also as part of the national effort, the nation's first breast and cervical cancer screening centre was inaugurated May 6th at the Souissi Maternity Hospital in Rabat. This flagship centre, set up by the ALSC, the health ministry and Rabat University Hospital (CHU), with support from the Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaers regional council, can see up to 30,000 people per year. Patients are referred by the various health centres across the region for more specialised mammography, biopsy and colposcopy examinations, as well as for specialist gynaecological consultations.
The centre will make it possible to see patients flagged during screening, perform a diagnosis and then refer them on to specialists for treatment as needed.
Breast and cervical cancer were emphasised because, according to the ALSC, these two varieties affect 50% of cancer sufferers in Morocco.
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حسناء Posted 2008-05-15
We wish you success in this campaign. God willing, you can fight it.
saidani miloudi Posted 2008-05-20
2M TV campaigns organized by hired women singers/artists for this purpose is a waste of time and money , I think. It will show the same results as witnessed during the last election campaign.Moreover there are more dangerous social cancers to fight such as: *Cancer of corruption. *Cancer of (FASSAD)prostitution. *Cancer of social injustice. *Cancer of poverty. *Cancer of high cost of living. ...etc...
leila Posted 2008-05-27
I think that breast cancer is very serious in our life and that this disease is present in Morocco. I say to all the women in Morocco to fight this disease breast cancer because it is widely-spread. Thank you. Your sister Leila.
oumaima Posted 2008-06-08
Very good.
نعيمة Posted 2008-06-30
I want to thank you for this work.
khaloud Posted 2008-07-02
My sister-in-law (36) in sidi slimane was just diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesion of the breast at the hospital in Rabat. Her neighbor, (in her 20s) a very young woman just died from breast cancer. I read that there are new medicines for pre-cancer but the doctor wants to remove all of sister's breast. All the family is very afraid and sad because she goes for the surgery in two months. I only wish I know if she really needs this surgery or if a medicine can help. But, I am thankful that she learned from television to go see doctor because now maybe she will not die.
naciri nora Posted 2008-07-23
Hello, I am a 39-year-old Moroccan Zagorian. I am sick with cancer in my large intestine. Currently, I am in the city of Rabat to get care. I beg you, if you know an organisation that can help sick people, please give me the address so that I may ask them to help me. I am from a poor family and, as you know, the cost for this care is very expensive for me, as are the costs for housing because I have no family in this city. Thank you so much
asila Posted 2008-08-17
Hi. I am Asila from Oujda. I wish recovery to all the sick people God willing, oh Lord.
MAJDA Posted 2008-08-30
We urge everyone to be patient and persist especially in respecting the feelings of others. This is our religious duty.
naima Posted 2008-09-07
I am sick. I have no one in this life and I want you to help me.
Ismail El Idrissi Posted 2008-09-26
Hi everybody, My special thanks go to those who helped out with these projects and organisation. I hope that all those who are sick will find a cure as soon as possible.
soumia Posted 2008-10-29
My sister is 36. She had undergone a surgery to her breast about seven months ago. But she is still under treatment. I hope, God willing, that she recovers with the will of God. I wish recovery to all Moroccan Muslim women.
ihsan Posted 2008-11-23
I was 31 years old when I found out that I had cancer in both breasts. It was a catastrophe for me and my family and my friends as well. But, as we say <rebi kebir>. Following medical malpractice on the part of the professor who operated on me, I underwent two more surgeries and I was very sick for three years. I was subjected to curietherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and, at that point, I was on Nolevadex. I tell you women that you must not give up. What makes me sad is that these treatments cost a lot for people who do not have the means. My oncologist helped me a lot. I will never forget what he did for me. Stay strong everybody!
sabrine Posted 2008-11-25
Salam alikum. I am Sabrine from the eastern region exactly from the town of Bouarfa. My mother has had breast cancer since 24/10/2008. She is undergoing treatment in Oujda at an oncology clinic. They told her to undergo chemotherapy and radiation. I am concerned about losing my mother. If you know a better treatment or better doctor, please get in touch with me. Thank you. Bye.
fatima Posted 2008-12-04
Salam. To whom it may concern. I am writing asking for help not for me but for my poor neighbour. She suffers from cancer. She needs to buy medicine to survive during her remaining days. You are aware about the costs of such medicines. She lives miserable conditions. Her situation is miserable. She moves around in a wheelchair. The disease is deteriorating day after day. So for those concerned, write me. Thank you very much.
fatima Posted 2008-12-06
I have a sister. At the age of 50, she is not married. She has a tumour in her breast. She does not want to get a screening done. This tumour is becoming larger. Please, advise me what organisations to contact and their telephone numbers.
siham Posted 2008-12-15
Salam. I want to know symptoms of breast cancer. Thank you.
marla Posted 2008-12-21
Hi I am looking for information on cancer programs in Morocco to help the ones who can not afford treatment..if any one knows please contact me
malika Posted 2008-12-22
I feel a pain in my breast. I have done a diagnostic ultrasound at a public doctor. He told me that I have a hormone deficiency. But I still feel this pain. So what is it and what do you advise me to do? Thank you.
ghita Posted 2008-12-24
How is it going?... God willing, well. I hope you keep up the good work! –Thank you
حليمة أبو السرور Posted 2009-01-03
Those who help people suffering from Aids act as is they have healed them. I am Halima Abousourour from the 5 year of the primary. I wish them happiness with their children. I advise people to help them.
mustapha Posted 2009-02-16
“The ‘Forgers’ Against Cancer” (On-line Essay, 15 February 2009, 6:05 PM) – A French team manufactured “forged” molecules capable of fooling cancer cells that are resistant to radiotherapy and inducing them to commit “suicide”. This is a promising discovery with regards to increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The French Press Agency (AFP) writes: “Radiotherapy and chemotherapy aim to cause damage to the tumour cells in order to destroy them. One of the most harmful types of damage for a cell is breaking up its genetic material. Faced with too many breaks, because of radiation for example, the cancer cells can self-destruct (apoptosis). But, certain types of damage are not always enough in order to get rid of certain tumour cells, which remain able to identify the presence of a break and activate their repair systems. They become resistant to treatment, leaving doctors at a loss. Marie Dutreix’s team at l’Institut Curie in Paris developed molecules able to fool cancer cells, making them believe that there are far more damaged than in reality. These molecules, called ‘Dbait’ (‘bait’), are little fragments of DNA that ‘mimic’ breaks in both strands of the cancer cells’ double helix of DNA. ‘These lures trap the cells’ repair functions’, explains Marie Dutreix, so that the very real damage caused by the radiation ‘goes unnoticed’ in the ‘panicking’ system. The cancers cells are overwhelmed and they have no other choice but to self-destruct. ‘Dbait has proven its effectiveness in mice’, Marie Dutreix pointed out, ‘for which the work has been published.’”
garbaoui karima Posted 2009-02-22
Hello everyone- I am addressing this to my little sister, Zakia, who has breast cancer: do not give up, keep on with your treatment and, most importantly, return to reason and continue with your first therapy. No one deserves to have to make your sacrifice, so o not sell off your health. Do what you have to do. You can count on me. May God heal you and all of the sick people in this world too.
samira Posted 2009-02-28
This disease is like any other disease. It can be the cause of death or a test from God. No one dies with less age. The person or patient should be strong and have a strong belief. Work for your life as if you will live eternally and work for your afterlife as if you will die tomorrow. (A believer is tested). I have lost my dearest people as a result of this disease. Despite this, I am not worried about being afflicted with this disease, because my belief in God is strong.
Mustapha Posted 2009-02-28
March 1st, 2009 Good evening everyone. I am personally touched by this disease, and I underwent a surgery. Together with other patients, or former patients, we have created an association to fight "cancer". This explains my modest and humble intervention on this site, from time to time. We are trying to act with all modesty using our available means, and hoping to help others. We hope to get in touch with other (serious) associations in the region of Ifrane. As a Franco-Moroccan myself, and with my friends from France, we hope to set something up although we are not rich; we usually seek donations from generous people in France. Bye.
amine Posted 2009-03-25
This is a good story.
nora Posted 2009-04-17
This disease is very serious. I advise everyone who suffers from it not to give in because if it is latent, it can be treated. Anyway, in the symptoms there is a small growth in the breast. It is hard. Then a substance comes out from the nipple. Anyway, once you feel something odd, it is better to go to a doctor.
ikram Posted 2009-04-25
Salam aloikum. I wish recovery to everyone. I have a cousin who has leukemia. I wish him recovery from God and to everyone. Now he is in Casablanca. But he has not yet been admitted to hospital. He has not found a vacant bed. He is a member of Lala Salma association. He is orphan. I hope if anyone knows an association or someone who offers help to guide us to him, may God reward you. I am 24. When he learned he has the disease, he was shocked. He is scared. He has no one to help him. I wish recovery to everyone. You know that the fees are very high.
NAWAL Posted 2009-05-11
I suspect that I have breast cancer. But I don't have resources for treatment, I don't know what to do or how to act.
ibtissam Posted 2009-05-19
My mother has cancer and can no longer stand up. The doctor told us there is no hope even with the treatment. She had cancer only in the breast from the past 6 months. I wish recovery to everyone who has this disease, oh Lord hasten the recovery. Thank you very much.
NABILE Posted 2009-05-21
Hello- I need your help. My aunt needs chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the Ibn Rochd Oncology Centre in Casablanca. They ask that we by medicine for the chemotherapy that adds up to 15 thousand dirhams per session. My aunt comes from a very poor family and does not have the means to take care of herself. Please send me some information so that I can find a solution for this poor lady. -Sincerely
SAMIRA Posted 2009-05-23
Salam. I want to know please the symptoms of breast cancer because I feel recently something not normal in my breast. I wish quick recovery to all people infected by this serious disease and which threatens society as a whole.
mohamed Posted 2009-06-08
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. I am Mohamed from the town of Midelt. I am 16. I suspect I have cancer about two weeks ago. I hope from God to find someone to help me
zahra idrissi Posted 2009-06-14
Salam. I wish patience and recovery to cancer patients. This is just a test from God.
lamyaa Posted 2009-07-01
I am a girl and my mother has intestinal cancer. We hope to find help in treatment costs of the fatal disease. Please provide information about associations which contribute to costs in Rabat. Thank you.
ibtissam Posted 2009-07-01
I am Ibtissam from Asilah. My mother is sick. She has cancer. She was in a critical situation but God is the assistant and new medications. I wish quick recovery to all cancer patients. Don't forget to worship God. Thank you.
Aziz from United States Posted 2009-07-04
Breast Cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women (Ovarian cancer is the first), thus it is important for women to start screening as early as 40 years old. On the other hand if a woman has a family member ( mother, sister, aunt, etc) she needs to have a screening mammogram as early as 30 years old. Early detection is key to treat the disease and the survival is improved ( We know Allah is capable of curing all diseases), but we need to do our part. Women should not wait for symptoms to consult a doctor because cancer does not present symptoms early and it might be too late when it does.
Hanna Posted 2009-07-04
Early detection is important. Women need to have a mammogram early to treat breast cancer.
fatimazahra Posted 2009-07-12
Hi everyone- I am a young girl, age 21. I am sick with Hodgkin's lymphoma. I have been undergoing chemotherapy in Rabat for two years now without any results. Honestly, I am tired of all of this. Also, my family does not want help me. So, I want some help. Please, if you know of an organisation that can help me, send me their address. -Thank you
garbaoui karima Posted 2009-07-24
Hello everyone- Thank you for allowing us to speak and express our feelings. My sister is a language teacher in Marrakech. Faced with cancer, she gave up on all forms of treatment because of a lack of understanding and support on the part of her superiors. So as not to harm the schooling of her students with her absences, she prefers to sacrifice herself. Zakia, I know you are a fighter and courageous. I beg you to not let yourself be beaten and, above all else, to provide an example to all the other ill people faced with the same circumstances. This is a heavy toll and it is intolerable. May God grant mercy and give courage to every sick person suffering on this earth.
sara Posted 2009-08-08
This is madness.
samira Posted 2009-08-15
My mother has breast cancer. I am scared that she dies.
britncanada Posted 2009-08-17
http://www.breastcancer.org/questions/bc_signs.jsp?gclid=CM-ivoHyq5wCFSYoawodR1iUjw this is a web site for many of your questions that you might want answered...I will pray for you all
amina Posted 2009-08-30
Hello- My mother is suffering from uterine cancer. We are looking for organisation in Morocco that can help us with hospitalising her.
aicha Posted 2009-09-01
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. I have a relative who has cancer, she has leukaemia. She doesn’t have necessary resources. Her mother works in houses. Everything she gets from work, she spends it on the treatment of her daughter. This girl I am talking about suffered from cancer, she healed, but it has returned. Now she is in a critical condition. Only God knows if she will recover or not. I want your help dear ones. I hope you will help this poor sick girl who has cancer. I wish recovery to everyone. Thank you for reading my words. Bye.
sara Posted 2009-09-02
What are symptoms of breast cancer? Please reply soon.
karim Posted 2009-09-12
Please advise me. I have a lump in my neck and don't know the origin of such lumps. Please advise me, thank you.
smahri Posted 2009-09-22
Salam alikum. I have additional information to all Muslims. Cancer is from Djinn as the messenger of God said. It is from plague as it was said in the Hadith. Therefore, we must read Qur'an and take herb medicines such as Al Habba Assaouda with pure honey and pray God. They will recover God willing.
naima Posted 29 days ago
Salam. My name is Naima. I ask you to help me. My mother has a lump. The doctor told you it is in your breast. He told her to do some test. We don't have the resources. God is the most powerful. We can barely cover the daily needs of life. I am tired of looking for a solution for my mother. I can do nothing for her. Sometimes I say to myself, "Why she is alive, if only she were dead rather than seeing her like this while I can do nothing for her." I want a benefactor to help me or guide me to an association. I go to associations here, they don't listen to you. They tell you, "We will help you, just wait until tomorrow." But I don't even know what is the disease of my mother. Please, I no longer know what to tell you.
ali Posted 17 days ago
Salam. My name is Ali. I am looking for an answer. Is it true that cancer has treatment? My sister died of this disease. My brother also has cancer, he is barely 23. This disease is costly. I wish recovery to all Muslims from any disease.
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